Newsroom

SIREN has a vision of a new America where immigrants are valued, integrated, and seen as essential to our society, and where the human rights of all persons are protected and honored. SIREN’s core value is immigrant empowerment. We focus on immigrants themselves being the primary agents of change. By strengthening and deepening the participation level and leadership of immigrants, we work toward long-term systemic changes that promote social justice and equality, freedom from oppression, and an end to poverty. Through these long-term systemic changes, immigrants will have the opportunity for individual/social responsibility, self-determination and political participation. By accomplishing this, we will have a society that is compassionate, inclusive and united.

Yesterday, Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross included a question regarding citizenship status in the list of questions submitted to Congress for the 2020 Census. Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN), an immigrant and refugee rights organizations serving Northern and Central California, denounces the inclusion of the question on citizenship status which will have far-reaching consequences on immigrant communities and communities of color.

The decision by the Commerce Department dangerous and blatantly anti-immigrant and will inevitably cause participation in the upcoming Census to plummet due to immigrant community members failing to complete the form out of fear.

“This question is unnecessarily intrusive and will raise concerns in all households - native- and foreign born, citizen and non-citizen about the confidentiality of their personal information linked to citizenship status and how government authorities may use that information. The consequences of the resulting undercount of immigrant communities are far-reaching impact. Census data is used to determine how basic resources, services, and representation are provided to already marginalized communities,” said SIREN’s Executive Director, Maricela Gutiérrez.

SIREN commends the bold leadership of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra for suing the Trump Administration for adding this question.

“Once again California is leading the way against bigotry and hate being spewed by this Administration,” said Gutierrez. “I applaud the Attorney General for his leadership. This fight is far from over.”

Congress will have the final approval of the 2020 Census form, and will vote this spring on the finalized form.

SIREN | Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network

SIREN’s mission is to empower low-income immigrants and refugees in Santa Clara County through community education and organizing, leadership development, policy advocacy and naturalization services. We believe that all people regardless of legal status or nationality are entitled to essential services, human dignity, basic rights and protections, and access to full participation in society.

As we fight for immigrant and refugee rights, we ask you to consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor. Your support will directly support free legal services, advocacy work for more just laws, and leadership training for community leaders.

Free Weekly Removal Defense Clinics

Every Wednesday in the Bay Area Office 9:00am - 4:00pm. No appointment is necessary.

Free Weekly "Know Your Rights" Clinics

Every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Bay Area Office. No appointment is necessary.